Ginza Onodera

Ginza Onodera

After six months of major refurbishment works, the highly anticipated Ginza Onodera has opened in London focusing on traditional Japanese cuisine. The new restaurant seats 128 covers and was formerly the site of Matsuri for over twenty years.

The £2.5 million renovation has been overseen by Yosei Kiyono to completely change the look and feel of the restaurant. The bold and stylish design helps create a sophisticated atmosphere that balances with the food on offer.

Taking most of his influences from when he worked in Japan, head chef Ryosuke Kishi has crafted an extensive menu using traditional Japanese techniques as opposed to the fusion trends you see today. From sashimi and sushi to seafood choices grilled on the Robata, standout dishes include Kobe Beef Robata Yaki served with Red Miso Truffle Sauce, Turbot Kobujime Usuzukuri – a traditional Japanese starter, and slow cooked (15 hours) Duck confit served with Red Cabbage marinated in Orange Vinegar.

As guests make their way into the restaurant, it will be hard to miss the grand wine cabinet which showcases a wide range of old and new world wines. Head sommelier, Angelo Lorea, has put together a drinks menu offering sake in all its different flavourings, while classic cocktails have been carefully using Japanese infusions. A range of spirits can be found on the menu, not forgetting renowned Japanses Whiskeys including Nikka from the Barrel.

Marbled counters and slate walls create a sophisticated and smart ambience to the restaurant, while low hanging lamps, all-fitted mirrors and a grand staircase provide guests with an impressive entrance.

Alongside the main dining room, small yet elegant private dining rooms will be available to diners. Guests can choose from three options based on the style of Japanese cuisine they are looking to indulge in – sushi, teppan-yaki or robata grill. With only three private dining rooms available (tables up to six covers), customers can expect an intimate dining experience in a relaxed setting.

As well as this, guests can enjoy a one to one experience with Ginza Onodera’s top chefs at their private counters. Similar to the private dining rooms, each counter will offer a different Japanese cooking cuisine – sushi, teppen-yaki and robata grill.

Located on Bury Street in St James’s, Ginza Onodera is open Tuesday to Sunday with a lunch and dinner service. It is part of the Onodera Group with sites in Ginza, Shanghai, Hawaii, Los Angeles, New York and Paris.

Total Planner Ltd

Total Planner Ltd specialise in commercial and residential works for the construction sector. The company has been in operation in the UK for eight years – seven in Tokyo – and within this time has worked on a range of prestigious projects, including Kintan restaurant, K-Box, and projects for the Japan Centre Group, amongst others.

Most recently, Total Planner Ltd has been involved with Ginza Onodera where the company was responsible for consultation, design and build work on the project.

Masaaki Nashimoto, Total Planner Ltd, said:

“It was important for us to be involved with this project as it was quite complex, so we were able to use our skills to ensure the client didn’t lose any money during construction.”

Masaaki, added:

“At Total Planner Ltd we are proud of our speed, the quality of our work and our ability to work within a fixed budget. We always strive to meet our clients’ requirements and do our best to keep them happy at all times.”